Come Outside: London’s Best Restaurants with Gardens

The weather might still say winter, but we’re already dreaming of spring. Get ahead of the game this year and take note of London’s best restaurants with gardens

WordsJoy Montgomery

London’s Best Restaurants with Gardens

THE IVY CHELSEA GARDEN, CHELSEA

Located on the well-heeled King’s Road, the Chelsea branch of the famed Ivy restaurant group is by far the most stylish. It might boast sumptuous, Martin Brudnizki-designed interiors, but it’s the enchanting outdoor terrace which draws the crowds. A little bit of paradise in the centre of the Big Smoke.

RIVER CAFE, HAMMERSMITH

The River Cafe is the famed Italian-inspired restaurant, which sits pretty on the banks of the River Thames. Known for training up a number of successful chefs, this Michelin-starred eatery has become a popular spot for al fresco dining, with its spacious garden inhabited by a number of plants and herbs that will undoubtedly end up on your plate.

BROMPTON FOOD MARKET, SOUTH KENSINGTON

Seconds from South Kensington tube, Brompton Food Market is the central London gem you’ve probably walked past a million times but never fully explored. Serving a selection of Deli-style plates, snacks, cakes and coffees, the cafe hides a terrace garden at its back. Tranquil and quiet, the garden can also be enjoyed in all seasons, thanks to the heaters and furry throws and rugs.

THE CULPEPER, SPITALFIELDS

Named after local 17th-century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, this pub-cum-restaurant-cum hotel has become a hotspot for east London locals. Its rooftop garden offers panoramic views of the London skyline and is populated by homegrown vegetables and herbs. Expect fold-out metal tables and a greenhouse, which houses a bar, large dining table and massive wood-fired grill.

COURTYARD GARDEN, SANDERSON HOTEL

Hide away from the city at Sanderson Hotel’s private courtyard garden. Classified as a ‘Heritage Garden’, this heated outdoor terrace is lined with trees, fountain, mosaics and centred by a reflecting pool – perfect for a lingering lunch or a post-work cocktail.

PETERSHAM NURSERIES CAFE

Petersham Nurseries Cafe serves seasonal, Italian-inspired food in the comfort of leafy Richmond. Not to be confused with your average greenhouse, the Michelin-starred restaurant is housed in a spacious glasshouse, decorated with antique furniture, mirrors, paintings and shrubbery.